Autumn is in the Air

Hi again

Autumn is in the air so get your home ready for winter indoor comforts. Tidy up your house and welcome warm winter fires. Children in school, days getting shorter, and Halloween is around the corner .

Autumn/Winter is the time of year when you spend most time inside your home. It’s cold and wet outside, so time is spent inside with friends and family. Autumn cleaning is mostly cold weather or holiday specific, with a few extras to do while you’re preparing for Halloween. However you need to ensure your garden, patio and the outside of the house are sorted for the change of season. Then attend to inside preparation and planning.

OUTSIDE

1.    Gather up all the fallen leaves, storm debris and put them in the compost

2.    Clean and power hose, decking, patios and driveways – don’t forget to regrout

3.    Clean your gutters and down pipes. Make sure all drains are free of debris 

4.    Remove all cobwebs, dust and dirt from eaves, and sophists

5.    Clean all exterior windows, frames and window sills

6.    Don’t forget the outside shed.

INSIDE

1.   Clean out your kitchen presses, remove any out of date items left behind. dented or damaged  tins  and any unwanted items that are just taking up space.

2.   Bathroom presses also need decluttering  and dispose of out of date cosmetics and medicines.

3.  You should clean all of the mattresses in the house to keep dust mites under control. Vacuum the top of the mattress, move the mattress and vacuum base. Turn mattresses, do you remember which way you turned them last time, and don’t forget to vacuum the other side too.

4.   As you are in the bedroom the wardrobe needs attention, Winter clothes replace summer ones but do send unwanted and unloved items to your local charity shop, some one else will cherish them.

5.   Now that you have cleaned the windows outside, the inside also need a good clean. After all the sun is lower and shows up the grime - so clean it.

6.  Since you are using your computer that needs a clean too. Start by turning the keyboard upside down and shake out any dust or crumbs. Use compressed air to blow out any other bits, NOT a vacuum. Wipe keys and all other exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and then dry. No need to use special cleaner. If you dare to go inside again NO vacuum just blow out the dust particles that you cannot remove with your fingers or a soft brush.

7.  To disinfect smelly sponges, wash sponge thoroughly, then microwave it while it is wet, for a short period. Make sure there are no metal bits in the cloth or sponge. When you see steam from the sponge, the bacteria in the sponge will be dead. Remove carefully, it will be hot! Wash the sponge thoroughly before use .  

Now have a party for Halloween to show off your new spic and span home to friends, family or neighbours.  To lighten the load ask Pristine Home to clean up after the party.

Pristine Home would love to help you with all or any of the above jobs, outside or inside your home, and then ensure that your home is kept neat and tidy on a regular basis. Please call 1890252309 or info@pristine.ie  or visit our web site and avail of our many cleaning services to help you and to leave you the time for yourself.

Looking forward to hearing from you      

Diana     

Back to School Time

Hello Again,
Yes its back to school time or maybe your little one has just gone to school for the first time.  Just look around at home and see where the dreaded crayon art has been published. Perhaps it is time to clean up and remove all those wall stains, art and scribbles.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.-Scott Adams

So having made the choice that your son or daughters wall frescoes are not for keeping you need to arm yourself with a few things to revitalize your wall. So where do you start ? There are a few options with some things you might find at home BUT  take care and test a small area first, preferably in a out of sight place.  Different wall coverings, be they paint, wallpaper or whatever will react differently to your treatment.  It is always important not to use anything abrasive as this will damage the underlying surface.

1      One possible solution is the trusty Baking Soda.  Just grab a damp non coloured cloth, dip it in a baking soda solution, and lightly scrub the marks. They should come off with a minimal amount of effort. This is suitable on a washable surface.

2      Another household item is Mayonaise, Simply rub some on the stain and let it soak for a few minutes. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Softer surfaces will take the mayonnaise or alternatively use a little vinegar.

3     Toothpaste will often work when used with a toothbrush to rub the marks. This is a little abrasive so stick to painted walls and not wallpapered walls. Then just wipe off with a damp cloth.

4      WD-40 works really well to remove crayon on painted walls. Simply spray a little of the product onto a cleaning cloth or paper towel. Wipe over the crayon marks. WD-40 in a spray form can be a little messy. The oily residue will need to be washed off of your walls after you remove the crayon marks.

5      Last but not least a  Mr. Clean product called the Magic Eraser (there are other similar products also available) works miracles on painted and some other surfaces. On heavily textured walls you may need to use a little effort, but it will work. These erasers should not however be used on some surfaces, including polished/glossy surfaces, wood pannelled walls, satin, or dark finishes.

Again remember whichever you use Test first in a hidden spot to be sure that you won't damage the finish of your walls.

Happy Cleaning but remember

Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.
-Pablo Picasso

Don’t forget that here at Pristine Home we would be delighted to help with all your cleaning needs. Just give me a call 1890 252309  or info@pristine.ie and I would love to help

Regards

Diana